Bangladesh survive a scare to fight for another day

Afghans promise to give India a good fight

Perhaps for the first time in the Asia Cup, the wily Rashid Khan was made to look a bit ordinary on Sunday.

Every player would have an off day, many would vouch, but the way Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah and Imrul Kayes tackled the Afghan leg-spinner was indeed commendable. Bangladesh were reeling at 87 for five when the duo came together and thereafter, there was very little for Khan and his team to celebrate.

Mahmudullah and Imrul Kayes scripted a brilliant 128-run six-wicket stand and that proved to be the key in the end. “Our objective at that point was to bat as long as possible and to keep the scoreboard ticking. There is no doubt Khan is an outstanding bowler but he isn’t unplayable. We wanted to see him out,” said Mahmudullah, who had fallen prey to Khan in their last outing for a mere 13. “I think I wasn’t able to apply myself against him previously, but we decided during the partnership that we won’t give him wickets.”

Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi, who top scored Afghanistan with 71, expressed his disappointment in losing the last two games in a close finish.

“Yes, 250 was a gettable score, but we made some mistakes, instead of going for singles and doubles in the last few overs. There wasn’t much help for the bowlers on this wicket,” said Shahidi. “We will try to do our best against India. We’ll give them a good fight.”